 F.
Richard Clemente, Ph.D., PT
Associate Professor
Department of Physical Therapy
Education:
Ph.D., University of Kentucky
M.S., University of Kentucky
B.S., University of Pittsburgh
Courses Taught:
HLTSC 320/470/570 Anatomy I, Lecture & Laboratory
PHYTH 422 PT Seminar II
HLTSC 321/471/571 Anatomy II, Lecture & Laboratory
PHYTH 501 Neuroscience
HLTSC 437 Kinesiology & Biomechanics Lecture
HLTSC 400 Independent Study
HLTSC 437 L Kinesiology & Biomechanics Laboratory
BIOL 209 01 Introductory Anatomy & Physiology II
Areas of Academic Specialty:
Human Anatomy
Research Area:
At the present time I am collaborating with a colleague on a project that is designed to investigate the effectiveness of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) for alleviating the symptoms of causalgia. Our laboratory studies a model of peripheral neuropathy/causalgia. This model exhibits symptoms that are quite similar to those manifested by humans with peripheral neuropathy and causalgia. We have developed reliable means to appropriately assess the symptoms that are demonstrated by the model. At the present time we are using high-pressure liquid chromatography to analyze spinal cord tissue for specific amino acid neurotransmitters. We are currently forging ahead with our experiments on the effects of various TENS treatment protocols on the post-treatment sensitivity of the causalgic model, and the levels of certain neuroactive substances found in the spinal cord of normal and causalgic specimens following treatment with TENS. As our work on traumatic peripheral neuropathy continues we are planning experiments that will help us to understand the neurobiology involved in causalgia-like pain.
In addition to the work on peripheral neuropathy, I am also involved in descriptive anatomical research. This work revolves around the notion of clearly defining the intricacies of human anatomy. I am involved with the study and description of unique anatomical configurations as well as the development and description of novel dissection approaches for exposing various structures.
Grants:
(most recent 5)
Sensory Nerve Stimulation for the Treatment of Causalgia. Primary Investigator: Somers DL, Collaborating Investigator: Clemente FR. Submitted to the National Institutes of Health May 2003
The Mechanism of Neurogenic Pain Relief by TENS. Primary Investigator: FR Clemente, Submitted to the Faculty Development Fund 2002/2003. Not Funded
Peripheral Electrical Nerve Stimulation for the Treatment of Complex Regional Pain Syndrome II. Investigators: Somers DL, Clemente FR. Funded by the Hunkele Dreaded Disease Award. FY 2000
Sensory Nerve Stimulation for the Treatment of Causalgia. Primary Investigator: Somers DL, Collaborating Investigator: Clemente FR. Funded by the National Institutes of Health
May 1997-April 2000
The Effectiveness and Mechanisms of Action of Peripheral Electrical Nerve Stimulation in the Treatment of Causalgia. Primary Investigator: Somers DL, Collaborating Investigator: Clemente FR. Submitted to the Foundation for Physical Therapy January 1995 - Not Funded
Publications:
(most recent 5)
Somers, D.L. and Clemente, F.R., Contralateral high or a combination of high and low frequency transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation reduces mechanical allodynia and alters dorsal horn neurotransmitter content in neuropathic rats. Journal of Pain, 10:221-229, 2009.
Somers, DL, Clemente, FR. The relationship between dorsal horn neurotransmitter content and allodynia in neuropathic rats treated with high frequency transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation. Arch Phys Med Rehabil, 2003, 84:11, 1575
Somers, DL, Clemente, FR. Dorsal Horn Synaptosomal Content of Aspartate, Glutamate, Glysine, and GABA are Differentially Altered Following Chronic Constriction Injury to the Rat Sciatic Nerve. Neuroscience Letters, 2002, 323:171-174
Somers DL, Clemente FR: High Frequency Electrical Peripheral Nerve Stimulation (TENS) Alters Thermal But Not Mechanical Allodynia Following Chronic Constriction Injury of the Rat Sciatic Nerve. Arch Phys Med Rehabil, 1998, 79:1370-1376
Fabrizio PA, Clemente FR: Approach to Dissection of the Anterior Thoracic Wall and the Entrance to the Thoracic Cavity. Clin Ana, 1998, 11:4;246-249
Fabrizio PA, Clemente FR: Variation in the Triceps Brachii Muscle: A Fourth Muscular Head. Clin Ana, 1997, 10:4;259-263
Professional Presentations:
(most recent 5)
High frequency electrical nerve stimulation applied to skin (TENS) opposite a chronic constriction injury (CCI) in rats alters dorsal horn content of amino acid neurotransmitters and tends to reduce mechanical allodynia. Somers DL, Clemente FR. Society for Neuroscience, New Orleans, LA 2003
The relationship of dorsal horn content of amino acid neurotransmitters (AA) to thermal and mechanical pain threshold in TENS-treated and untreated neuropathic rats. Somers DL, Clemente FR, J. DeBlassio J, Snyder T. Society for Neuroscience, New Orleans, LA 2000
Augmented Ongoing Pain is Reduced by Daily Application of Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS). Somers DL, Clemente FR,Opalski DJ, Witfill K. Society for Neuroscience, Miami, FL. 1999
The Effect of Transcutaneous Peripheral Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TPENS) on Tactile and Thermal Sensitivity in a Rat Model of Causalgia. Somers DL, Clemente FR, Morgan RC. APTA National Conference, Minneapolis, MN . 1996
The Intra and Intertester Reliability of Commonly Used Assessments for Tactile and Thermal Sensitivity in Rats. Somers DL, Clemente FR, Morgan RC. Physical Therapy, 76;5:S43, 1996. APTA National Conference, Minneapolis, MN. 1996
Awards and Accomplishments:
John G. Rangos School of Health Sciences Presidential Award for Teaching Excellence, 1999
Induction into Omicron Delta Kappa Leadership Honor Society - Honorary Member, 1997
Omicron Delta Kappa Leadership Honor Society Teacher of the Year Award for Duquesne University - 1995, 1996
Professional Narrative:
I received my Doctoral degree in Human Anatomy and Neurobiology in 1989 and a Masters of Science degree in Human Anatomy in 1979. Both of my graduate degrees are from the University of Kentucky in Lexington, Kentucky. In 1975 I received a Bachelor's degree in Physical Therapy from the University of Pittsburgh. I worked as a physical therapist in acute care and rehab settings for a number of years before pursuing my graduate education and I continue to carry a license to practice physical therapy in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania . Although I have taught numerous other courses, at the present time I teach Human Anatomy. Over the course of my teaching career I have received several teaching awards at Duquesne University. I am currently working with Dr. David Somers on a research project investigating the effectiveness of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) as a treatment for Complex Regional Pain Syndrome Type II (causalgia). I am also involved in traditional, anatomical descriptive research.
Phone: 412.396.5548
E-mail: clemente@duq.edu
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